Kozhikode: In a major boost to Kerala’s infrastructure, the ambitious Wayanad Tunnel Road project has received the green light from the Union Ministry of Environment, paving the way for construction to commence in July. The ₹2,134-crore project aims to provide a faster, safer alternative to the traffic-heavy Thamarassery Churam, linking Kozhikode and Wayanad districts through a state-of-the-art 8.11-km twin-tunnel system supporting four-lane traffic. The work will be officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The tunnel will include advanced features such as ventilation systems, fire safety mechanisms, emergency call points, tunnel radio, CCTV monitoring, escape route lighting, and more. Cross-passages will be placed every 300 meters, along with underpasses, bridges, and service roads over the Iruvazhinji River. The project will be executed under a tripartite agreement between PWD, KIIFB, and Konkan Railway, with construction handled by Dilip Buildcon and Royal Infrastructure. With all clearances in place, the project marks a transformative step toward easing travel and boosting regional development in northern Kerala.
